During a period of time when the computerized medication order system was down, the prescriber wrote admission the nurse is transcribing them. The nurse is having difficulty transcribing one order because of the prescriber's handwriting. Which is the best action for the nurse to take at this time?
Ask the client what prescribed medications are taken at home
Contact the prescriber to clarify the order.
Wait until the prescriber makes rounds again to clarify the order
Ask a colleague what the order says.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Ask the client what prescribed medications are taken at home: While obtaining information about the client's home medications is important, this action does not address the specific issue of the unclear order. It is not an appropriate substitute for clarifying the medication order that the nurse is having difficulty transcribing.
B) Contact the prescriber to clarify the order: This is the best action for the nurse to take. If the nurse is unsure about the order due to illegible handwriting, the safest and most effective way to clarify the order is to directly contact the prescriber. This ensures that the nurse administers the correct medication and dose, reducing the risk of medication errors.
C) Wait until the prescriber makes rounds again to clarify the order: Waiting for the prescriber to make rounds is not an appropriate or timely solution. Medication administration should not be delayed due to unclear orders, as it could lead to treatment delays or potential harm to the patient. Immediate clarification is necessary.
D) Ask a colleague what the order says: While consulting a colleague might be helpful, it is not the most reliable or safe course of action. The nurse should not rely on others to interpret unclear orders, as there may be different interpretations or misunderstandings. Contacting the prescriber directly ensures the order is clarified accurately and safely.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["4"]
Explanation
Identify the desired dose: The doctor has ordered 40 mg of atorvastatin.
Identify the available tablet strength: Each tablet contains 10 mg of atorvastatin.
Set up the calculation: We need to find out how many tablets are needed to administer 40 mg of the medication.
We can use the following formula:
(Desired dose) / (Tablet strength) = Number of tablets
Plug in the values and calculate:
(40 mg) / (10 mg/tablet) = 4 tablets
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Peptic ulcer: Scopolamine is an anticholinergic medication that works by blocking acetylcholine, which can reduce nausea and motion sickness. While scopolamine can have anticholinergic effects that may slightly reduce gastric motility, it is not directly contraindicated in clients with a history of peptic ulcer. The medication does not significantly exacerbate the condition of peptic ulcers.
B) Asthma: While scopolamine can have anticholinergic effects that may lead to dry mouth and slight airway narrowing, it is not contraindicated in clients with asthma. However, the nurse should be cautious and monitor the client for any signs of respiratory distress, as anticholinergic medications can cause some bronchial smooth muscle relaxation, which could theoretically worsen asthma symptoms. It is not an absolute contraindication.
C) Heart disease: Scopolamine is not specifically contraindicated for individuals with heart disease, although caution should be used in patients with cardiovascular conditions due to its potential effects on heart rate and blood pressure. However, heart disease itself is not a direct contraindication for the use of scopolamine.
D) Glaucoma: Scopolamine is an anticholinergic medication, and anticholinergics can increase intraocular pressure. This is especially dangerous for clients with narrow-angle glaucoma, as the medication can exacerbate the condition, leading to a potential acute glaucoma attack. Therefore, individuals with a history of glaucoma, particularly narrow-angle glaucoma, should avoid scopolamine.
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